How Has Social Media Changed The Portrayal Of Men And Female Athletes?

Social media has changed the portrayal of men and women athletes significantly. The start of social media broke down the barriers between the greatest divides in sports. Whether its race, gender or sexuality, social media has become and remains an influential platform to change the way sports are covered. “Social media have brought the concept of gender equity in sports reporting into international focus” (Creedon, 2014, p.712). Social media is global; you can reach and communicate with anyone all over the world faster and simpler than ever before. It has allowed athletes to have their own voice and made it easier for them to bring these issues to the attention of everyone. It has become the most important tool for female athletes across the country. Even, though there is still more work that needs to be done for an equal portrayal of gender in sports, it has brought more equality to female athletes

“Athletes use Twitter to get closer to their fans and to show their audience another side of who they are by disclosing personal information, while still communicating some sports-related content”(Coche, 2014, p.102). It has allowed athletes to establish a stronger fan base and post whatever they want. This has given the public the opportunity to see them outside of the sport, as actual people with thoughts and opinions. It has also helped them professionally with allowing them to gain more endorsements and promote themselves.

Social Media is a very important tool that all female athletes need to utilize. It allows them to promote themselves in a way that they can control. For example, if Alex Morgan wants to share her muscles she is building, she can just post a video on her Instagram account of her in the gym lifting weights. It has given them the chance to control what people think of them. Posting allows them to be personal and gain audiences they never had